This morning on April 21, 2018 at approximately 2:34 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to an automotive repair shop, located at 9230 East Colfax Avenue. Officers responded to this location on the report of a burglary in-progress, where a suspect was observed inside the business by live-feed security cameras.

As officers arrived, they observed an adult male suspect inside of the business. The officers could see that the male was suffering from apparent injuries. Officers entered the business and found the male to be armed with a lethal cutting instrument. In the presence of Officers, the male began to inflict injury to himself with the cutting instrument. As Officers approached the male, who was still armed with the cutting instrument, officers gave verbal orders and attempted to de-escalate the situation. The suspect then threatened officers with the weapon and officers responded by utilizing less lethal options that were available. These less lethal options proved to be ineffective and the suspect then resumed inflicting injuries to himself. The suspect then retreated and barricaded himself in another room inside of the business. In this room, Officers ultimately found the male to be unresponsive. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

During this incident, Officers showed great restraint and no duty weapons were fired. Because of the nature of the circumstances and because officers used less lethal force, the Aurora Police Department’s Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to resume the investigation. Per Colorado Senate Bill 217, the Denver Police Department also responded to assist our Detectives in their efforts.

The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy of the male to determine the manner in which he died. The Coroner will also identify the decedent pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.

If anybody has information relating to this incident, please contact Detective Warren Miller at (303) 739-6117.

The investigation is in on-going and in its early stages and therefore no further information is available.